Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes That Only Work With Manual Override

Updated 09/13/2024 | Published 09/06/2024

Question:

My trailer brakes dont work with the pedal only with the over ride switch. I have a 2020 f350 and a 2024 genisis toyhauler. The brakes work on my other two trailers with just the brake pedal. But not on the genisis. I have even hooked two other trucks to this trailer with different controllers none work with the pedal only the over ride works. Its has triple 7k lipperd axles. Just like 1 of my other trailers. Im at a loss please help.

asked by: Dwayne

Expert Reply:

Dwyane, to me it sounds like the brake controller may be connected to a circuit that is not seeing voltage when the brakes are pressed.

The red brake light wire for your brake controller should've been connected to a circuit that sees voltage when the brakes are pressed - so if it's not seeing any voltage there is no power supplied.

It also wouldn't hurt to make sure the ground wires are connected properly and are not damaged.

expert reply by: Bryce D

Dwayne

9/12/2024

Ok maybe you didn't read what I wrote or I wrote it wrong. My truck works great on my other trailers. Other trucks don't work on this trailer either. So 100% it's not my controller. Any other guesses?

Bryce D.

9/13/2024

@Dwayne Gotcha yeah I read that wrong. So then in that case the trailer has the issue if other trucks are having the same issue. I'd recommend going through your trailer's wiring, and check the connector to make sure that nothing is damaged or for whatever reason corroded.